News Archivehttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases
enAnnual Performance Reports for Educator Preparation Programs Now Availablehttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/annual-performance-reports-educator-preparation-programs-now-available
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Results from the latest <a href="https://mcds.dese.mo.gov/guidedinquiry/Educator%20Preparation/Annual%20Performance%20Reports%20For%20Educator%20Preparation%20Programs%20-%20Program%20Summary%20-%202017%20Public.aspx">Annual Performance Reports</a> for Educator Preparation Programs (APR-EPPs) have been released to provide information about the programs to the public, particularly parents and students. The APR-EPPs are based on the latest five years of data from education preparation programs at Missouri colleges and universities.</p></div></div></div>Thu, 15 Feb 2018 15:53:42 +0000Nancy Bowles16201 at https://dese.mo.govPublic Hearings Scheduled for Vocational Rehabilitation Services https://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/public-hearings-scheduled-vocational-rehabilitation-services-1
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Five public hearings on vocational rehabilitation services have been scheduled in March throughout the state. The hearings will be conducted by Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation (MVR) to gain feedback on ways to improve services for individuals with disabilities. Input is welcome regarding MVR’s goals and priorities found in the current <a href="https://dese.mo.gov/sites/default/files/VR-SectApprovedCombinedPlanWEB10-2016.pdf">state plan</a>.</p></div></div></div>Tue, 06 Feb 2018 16:53:09 +0000Nancy Bowles16121 at https://dese.mo.govMissouri Schools Recognized for Exemplary Professional Learning Opportunitieshttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/missouri-schools-recognized-exemplary-professional-learning
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Schools from across the state of Missouri will be honored during the 2018 Powerful Learning Conference for their commitment to professional learning. Nearly 1,700 Missouri educators are expected to attend the conference Jan. 29-30 in Osage Beach.</p></div></div></div>Tue, 23 Jan 2018 16:10:53 +0000Nancy Bowles16061 at https://dese.mo.govMissouri Wins Approval for State Education Planhttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/missouri-wins-approval-state-education-plan
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The U.S. Department of Education has approved Missouri’s state plan for public education under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Missouri’s plan is a commitment to ensure that all students have equitable access to high-quality education to help prepare them for success in school and in life. Implementation of the major portion of the plan will begin in fall 2018. </p></div></div></div>Wed, 17 Jan 2018 16:35:33 +0000Tyler Madsen16036 at https://dese.mo.govState Board of Education Meeting Cancelledhttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/state-board-education-meeting-cancelled
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The January meeting of the State Board of Education has been cancelled due to lack of a quorum.</p>
<p>The public hearing about the Fine Arts Work Group’s recommendations on academic standards will be held as scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, in the State Board Meeting Room in the Jefferson Building, 205 Jefferson St., in Jefferson City.</p>
<p>A public hearing relating to the hiring of a new commissioner of education will be held as scheduled on Monday, Jan. 8, from 2-5 p.m. Doors will open to the public at 1:30 p.m. in the State Board Meeting Room.</p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 04 Jan 2018 21:46:05 +0000Nancy Bowles15911 at https://dese.mo.govMissouri Board of Education Sets Process for Commissioner Selectionhttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/missouri-board-education-sets-process-commissioner-selection
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>During a board meeting held via conference call, members of the State Board of Education determined the process for choosing the next commissioner to lead the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The board decided to open the <a href="https://dese.mo.gov/state-board-education/commissioner">application process</a> today, Dec. 15, and close applications at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018.</p></div></div></div>Fri, 15 Dec 2017 17:10:13 +0000Nancy Bowles15856 at https://dese.mo.govMissouri Board of Education Removes Commissioner of Educationhttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/missouri-board-education-removes-commissioner-education
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>In a closed meeting today, the Missouri Board of Education voted for new leadership for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). In a 5-3 vote, the members voted to replace Dr. Margie Vandeven as commissioner of education effective immediately. Dr. Vic Lenz, Mike Jones and Charlie Shields voted against the change in leadership. The majority of the members cited a need to move in a new direction for public education in Missouri.</p></div></div></div>Fri, 01 Dec 2017 21:08:01 +0000Nancy Bowles15686 at https://dese.mo.govState Board Grants Provisional Accreditation to Normandy Schools Collaborativehttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/state-board-grants-provisional-accreditation-normandy-schools
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The State Board of Education voted today to classify the Normandy Schools Collaborative as provisionally accredited following several years of improvement in the district. The board accepted a <a href="https://dese.mo.gov/sites/default/files/ClassificationDec2017.pdf">recommendation</a> from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to grant provisionally accredited status based on improvements in student performance, operations, and school culture and climate. The new classification is effective beginning Jan. 2, the beginning of second semester.</p></div></div></div>Fri, 01 Dec 2017 16:01:47 +0000Nancy Bowles15671 at https://dese.mo.govMissouri School for the Deaf Hires New Superintendenthttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/missouri-school-deaf-hires-new-superintendent
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has announced George Stailey as superintendent at the Missouri School for the Deaf (MSD). Mr. Stailey brings many years of experience at the Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD), including 10 years as superintendent. Other experiences at ISD include teaching preschool and middle school, working as a student development educator in the residence halls, serving as dean of boys, and working as the assistant to the superintendent. Mr.</p></div></div></div>Wed, 29 Nov 2017 21:20:28 +0000Nancy Bowles15666 at https://dese.mo.govNo Change in Leadership for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Educationhttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/no-change-leadership-department-elementary-and-secondary-education
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>In a closed meeting today, the Missouri Board of Education discussed potential personnel changes for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The motion to remove Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven as head of the agency failed in a 4-4 vote. Eddy Justice, Doug Russell, Sonny Jungmeyer and Jennifer Edwards voted for the leadership change. Board President Charlie Shields, Vice President Vic Lenz, Mike Jones and Claudia Oñate Greim voted against the motion.</p>
<p>“I look forward to the focus returning to educating our children,” said Commissioner Vandeven.</p></div></div></div>Tue, 21 Nov 2017 17:45:17 +0000Nancy Bowles15631 at https://dese.mo.govCommissioner of Education Elected to National Board of Directorshttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/commissioner-education-elected-national-board-directors
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) has elected Missouri Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven to its Board of Directors. The election was held at CCSSO’s national meeting today in St. Louis.</p></div></div></div>Wed, 15 Nov 2017 20:44:48 +0000Nancy Bowles15601 at https://dese.mo.govState Chooses Fine Arts Standards Work Group Membershttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/state-chooses-fine-arts-standards-work-group-members
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The State Board of Education today appointed nine Missourians for work groups to review the state’s Fine Arts learning standards, which have been in place for 10 years. The nine were nominated by education organizations and will join other work group members nominated by legislators, the lieutenant governor and the governor.</p></div></div></div>Tue, 31 Oct 2017 15:12:49 +0000Nancy Bowles15481 at https://dese.mo.govMissouri Welcomes New Member to the State Board of Education https://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/missouri-welcomes-new-member-state-board-education
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has appointed John T. “Tim” Sumners of Joplin to the eight-member State Board of Education.</p>
<p>Dr. Sumners has worked as a church pastor and chaplain and is currently the chaplain for the Joplin Police and Fire Departments, as well as the Webb City Fire Department and the Redings Mill Fire District. He also served as an adjunct professor at Southwest Baptist University’s campus in Joplin.</p></div></div></div>Fri, 27 Oct 2017 19:26:19 +0000Nancy Bowles15396 at https://dese.mo.govSeal of Biliteracy Available for Missouri Studentshttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/seal-biliteracy-available-missouri-students
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is introducing the <a href="https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/curriculum/english-language-development/missouri-seal-biliteracy">Missouri Seal of Biliteracy</a> (Missouri Seal) Program. The Missouri Seal is awarded by local school districts to graduating students who have proven a specific level of proficiency in English and any other world language, including sign languages. The graduating class of 2018 is the first class to be eligible for the program.</p></div></div></div>Fri, 20 Oct 2017 13:19:30 +0000Nancy Bowles15306 at https://dese.mo.govAmerican Government Teacher from Imperial Wins Prestigious Milken Awardhttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/american-government-teacher-imperial-wins-prestigious-milken-award
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The students in Jordan McGaughey’s 10<sup>th</sup> grade American Government class learn to explore all sides of an issue and connect historical events with today’s political climate. McGaughey serves the Fox C-6 School District by helping to develop curriculum, offering professional development, mentoring student teachers and acting as an instructional coach. Those are among the reasons that McGaughey has been named a winner of the <a href="http://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/">Milken Educator Award</a>s.</p></div></div></div>Tue, 17 Oct 2017 18:37:03 +0000Nancy Bowles15286 at https://dese.mo.govEight Missouri Schools Awarded Blue Ribbon Statushttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/eight-missouri-schools-awarded-blue-ribbon-status
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The U.S. Department of Education has honored eight Missouri schools as 2017 <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2017/national.pdf">Blue Ribbon Schools</a>. The national award recognizes schools that perform at high academic levels (top 15 percent in the state based on assessment scores and graduation rates) or that perform at high levels while serving a significant proportion of disadvantaged students (top 15 percent in progress toward reducing the achievement gap).</p>
<p>These are the 2017 Missouri Blue Ribbon Schools:</p></div></div></div>Thu, 28 Sep 2017 17:26:09 +0000Nancy Bowles14322 at https://dese.mo.govTwo Missouri AP Scholars Namedhttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/two-missouri-ap-scholars-named
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Two Missouri high school students have qualified for the College Board’s State <a href="https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/score-reports-data/awards?excmpid=vt-00227">Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Award</a>. The award is an academic distinction recognizing students who have earned the most AP Exam scores of 3 or higher statewide and the highest average score on all AP Exams taken. One male student and one female student from each state and the District of Columbia receive the annual award.</p></div></div></div>Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:33:58 +0000Nancy Bowles14286 at https://dese.mo.govState Board of Education Approves Revised Personal Finance Standards https://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/state-board-education-approves-revised-personal-finance-standards
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Months of work culminated today in State Board approval of <a href="https://dese.mo.gov/sites/default/files/PersonalFinanceSept2017.pdf">revised personal finance standards</a> for Missouri public schools. Missouri is one of only 17 states that require personal finance coursework in high school. This was the first review of the state’s personal finance standards since 2006.</p></div></div></div>Tue, 19 Sep 2017 15:09:22 +0000Nancy Bowles14246 at https://dese.mo.govRitenour Music Teacher Selected as 2017-18 Missouri Teacher of the Yearhttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/ritenour-music-teacher-selected-2017-18-missouri-teacher-year
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>At Iveland Elementary in the Ritenour school district, Beth Davey’s classroom does not fit the mold of a traditional music room. There are no risers or chairs, because for Davey, music transcends chord progressions and harmonies; it provides a voice for students to represent their world.</p>
<p>“Our humanity is solidified by feeling that we are known,” said Davey, who teaches K-5 music. “Connections sustain us, and to advance into the future, we must draw upon what connects us the most. Education provides this opportunity for connection.”</p></div></div></div>Fri, 08 Sep 2017 19:10:29 +0000Tyler Madsen13961 at https://dese.mo.govMissouri 2017 ACT Scores Increase in Every Subjecthttps://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/missouri-2017-act-scores-increase-every-subject
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>More than 68,000 members of the Missouri graduating class of 2017 took the ACT<sup>®</sup> as 11<sup>th</sup> graders and earned an average composite score of 20.4. That reflects an increase from last year’s composite score of 20.2 and is the fourth highest composite score among the 17 states that tested 100 percent of their graduates. Nationally, 60 percent of the class of 2017 took the ACT<sup>®</sup>, with a composite score of 21.0.</p></div></div></div>Thu, 07 Sep 2017 14:00:01 +0000Nancy Bowles13776 at https://dese.mo.gov